Outemu Dustproof Red vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Red and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the realm of mechanical keyboards, the choice between different switches can significantly impact your typing experience. The Outemu Dustproof Red and TTC Yunhai are two linear switches that cater to distinct preferences. While the Outemu Dustproof Red stands out for its reliability and noise-dampening characteristics, making it a suitable option for quieter environments, the TTC Yunhai switch is celebrated for its surprisingly light actuation force combined with a rich, rounded sound profile. This makes the Yunhai an excellent choice for typists seeking a gentle and effortless typing feel. Each switch presents a unique set of advantages, catering to different user needs and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Dustproof Red switches and the TTC Yunhai switches, notable differences arise in their top housings. The Dustproof Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This stiffer material enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly suitable for applications involving RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for optimal light diffusion. In contrast, the Yunhai switch employs a nylon top housing, a material that is softer and thus capable of absorbing sound more effectively. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, producing a more muted auditory experience compared to the Dustproof Red's distinct brightness.
Both the Dustproof Red and Yunhai switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a shared characteristic between the two. The softer nature of nylon contributes to a sound profile that is deeper and rounder, and this shared material ensures that both switches deliver a similar auditory experience when bottoming out. The nylon, being less rigid than polycarbonate, dampens sound waves effectively, enhancing the overall feel of the switch. This similarity in bottom housing material means that while the top housings provide differing sound profiles—one that is crisp and bright, and the other that is deep and full—once the key is pressed down, the user will experience a comparable bottom-out sound and feel due to the nylon material being the same.
Ultimately, the distinctiveness of each switch comes from the combination of the soft nylon bottom housing and the contrasting top housing materials. When pressed, the nuances brought by the nylon in both switches can create an overlapping experience for users when typing. However, the real differentiator lies in how each will sound upon release; the Dustproof Red will yield a sharper sound profile due to its polycarbonate top, while the Yunhai's nylon top provides a more subdued tone. Consequently, sound dynamics in these switches are influenced by both the type of material in the top and bottom housings, leading to varied auditory experiences and tactile feedback even while they share similarities in construction.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly affect typing experience. The Dustproof Red requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-force switch. In contrast, the Yunhai is lighter, with an actuation force of only 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Dustproof Red offers a firmer push, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback, while the lighter Yunhai allows for longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue, ideal for busy work environments or prolonged gaming. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch would find the TTC Yunhai more suitable, while those favoring a heavier touch might lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Red.
Travel distance
The Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Yunhai linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference highlights a preference dichotomy in switch design; the Dustproof Red provides a more pronounced, deeper actuation, which some users may find more satisfying and tactile. In contrast, the Yunhai's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance aligns with the contemporary trend favoring quicker response times, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster keypress reactions. While both switches have their unique advantages, the Outemu Dustproof Red appeals to those who enjoy a traditional, deeper feel, whereas the TTC Yunhai is ideal for users who prefer the briskness of a shallower actuation. This distinction means the Dustproof Red offers a longer travel distance compared to the Yunhai switch, catering to different preferences in the keyboard user community.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
The Outemu Dustproof Red comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is characterized by its soft, muted sound profile, allowing for a quieter typing experience. In comparison, the TTC Yunhai offers a more pronounced auditory quality with a deep, rounded sound that adds a satisfying acoustic dimension to each keystroke. While both switches are linear and therefore lack the clicky feedback of tactile switches, the Yunhai’s deeper sound may provide a satisfying auditory cue that can enhance the overall typing experience, especially on the right compatible board and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Dustproof Red switch is notable for its smooth operation, though specific details about its tactile feedback or actuation force are lacking. On the other hand, the Yunhai switch stands out for its incredibly light actuation force, making it ideal for typists who favor a gentle, effortless feel while typing. This difference in actuation force may significantly influence user preferences, as some typists might prefer the tactile engagement of a heavier switch while others might relish the ease of a lighter one.
Ultimately, both the Outemu Dustproof Red and the TTC Yunhai switches provide distinct typing experiences. While the Dustproof Red excels in quietness, the Yunhai impresses with its deep sound and light actuation. Typists seeking a smooth and silent experience may gravitate toward the Dustproof Red, whereas those who want a more enriched and responsive feedback could find the Yunhai more to their liking. Ultimately, choosing between them may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium actuation force and are looking for a switch that feels balanced while still offering solid performance for both typing and gaming, the Outemu Dustproof Red may be the better option for you. It's suitable for those who enjoy a bit of resistance while typing, allowing for more tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a lighter keypress that provides a smooth and effortless experience, the TTC Yunhai switch stands out with its 50-gram actuation force. This switch is especially ideal for typists who enjoy a gentle touch with every keystroke, making it perfect for long writing sessions or fast-paced typing. Additionally, the Yunhai's unique sound profile offers a pleasing auditory experience that can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. Thus, whether you're leaning towards a firmer feel or prefer a lighter touch will largely dictate your switch choice, so consider what aspects are most important for your daily use and let that guide your final decision.
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